1.Welcome –
Lynn welcomed the members
Apologies – C Webb
2. Minutes from 2021 were presented to the meeting, Members agreed minutes accepted.
Matters outstanding
No Matters raised as outstanding
3.Branch Reports
Appendix 1 – Branch Chair report, Members agreed it was read before the meeting.
Matters arising
None
Appendix 2 – Branch Secretary report, Members agree it was read before the meeting
Matters arising
None
4.Branch Accounts
Appendix 4 – 2021 Trial Balance – Members agreed read before meeting
Matters arising
LG queried affiliation – which is showing as a credit for 2021 – JH has investigated this, it appears that the amount was from previous years accounts which has been entered into the wrong cost centre, National accounts have agreed this, and no action needed.
AW raised the question of fixed assets, It was explained that this is depreciated automatically via the system each year, JH explained that the branch has had to replace several laptops and a printer this year due to the age of older items.
NO ACTION REQUIRED
5.Election of Officers/Stewards
Elected unopposed
Chair – Lynn Gillespie
Branch Secretary – James Hawker
Treasurer – Clive Adgie
International Officer – Salim Perager
Health & Safety Officer – Claire Grey
Women’s Officer - Jaclyn Nunes
Retired Members Officer – Andrew Wood
Welfare Officer – Sonia Cooper – form now received
Equality Officer – Sonia Cooper – form now received
Vacant
Membership Officer
Young members Officer – The branch have had several young members who have expressed interest, JH to contact all to discuss sharing this role.
Communication Officer
Education Co-Ordinator
Staffing Committee member - The branch needs to set up a staffing committee, which is to support branch staff.
Members of this committee cannot be branch officers.
ACTION - Members were asked to consider this
Optional Vacant Positions
Lifelong Learning Coordinator
Labour Link Officer
Social Secretary
Workplace Stewards/Workplace Contacts/H&S rep form received
Richard Bernardz – TCHG
Salman Mirza – Brushstrokes
Salim Perager – WHG
James Hawker – MAT
Lynn Gillespie – Citizen Housing
Sonia Cooper – Citizen Housing
Bryn Turner – P3
Phil Griffin - WHGRP
Alimah Bibi – Longhurst Group
Christine Webb - Dimensions
Regional Positions
Regional council officer – Meets 4 times a year, its is a gathering of all branches across the Region
Regional Committee officer – meets to discuss to take to regional council officer
Service Group committee officer – one place to be filled
Matters arising
CA requested a nomination form for a H&S rep at his work place
ACTION
RB to send nomination form to Clive Adgie
6Motions
Motion 1 Defend UNISON President Paul Holmes
This motion was withdrawn
Motion 2
Membership support – Dropin/Advice monthly meetings
MEMBERS INVOLVEMENT, JUSTICE FOR MEMBERS
This branch since its inception has had difficulties reaching out to members due to recourses and geographical challenges, however these are not insurmountable obstacles to organising.
Unions are all about organising and access to justice for working people and their families.
During lockdown since January 2020, I have been invited to 1UNISON meeting and to date that has been the total number of unison meetings I have been invited to.
Whereas the charity I work for migrant voice with a very limited budget I have organised and attended approximately a member meeting once every 2 months, bearing in mind migrant voice members consist of people with English as their second language and are in little or no income.
We have had meetings over 100 in attendance. Organised representation and campaigns which have involved thousands.
The Lewin must stay campaign has amassed over 135,000 signatures. https://www.change.org/p/home-office-let-lewin-stay
We have seen the incredible momentous movement of Black Lives Matter during this same period.
The feedback I have had from comrades in other unions is zoom has meant bigger turn outs for members meetings and it has been more inclusive.
Anecdotal evidence
NUJ convenor reported meetings have gone up from 30 to 130, and he has feedback it's heartening to see members with children sitting on their laps discussing union business from home.
immigration casework has gone up as clients have been accessing advice through WhatsApp, emails, zoom and Facebook live meetings
This question has been put for over 5 years at the previous AGMs and branch executive meetings. TIMES UP! TIME TO ACT!
This meeting therefore resolves to;
Initiate regular online monthly members meetings, agenda items can include training, ie public speaking how to deal with stress etc
Weekly zoom drop-in meetings where members can bring forward their initial issues in a collective environment.
The 2 action points to be up and running by May 2022
LG/JH - This motion was carried at last year AGM,
Due to time restraints meetings haven’t been arranged yet.
ACTION
BSO’s to book meeting dates, AIM for May/June 2022 – Decision to be made if caseworkers need to be at these evening meetings or if it should be member driven.
5.AOB
Request for financial donation
Request for support from Serenity media release attached
Proposed £500 donation
AW asked before donation is agreed on, the Branch find out more information about the charity, and to see their financial reports. After some discussion it was suggested by the treasure CA to donate £250.00 until we see the financial reports.
ACTION
JH to request viewing of Serenity accounts, for further discussion
8 Meeting closed 19:20